Watercolor painting, a perennial favorite among artists of all ages and skill levels, is a beautiful form of art that thrives on subtlety, fluidity, and light. The success of a watercolor painting largely depends on the canvas it is painted on, which in this case is watercolor paper. Arguably, choosing the right watercolor paper is a pivotal decision for every artist. It becomes even more crucial for senior beginners who are exploring this art form in their golden years.
Senior beginners need quality watercolor paper, one which can withstand multiple washes, does not warp easily, absorbs the right amount of color, and imparts a natural texture to the painting. This article aims to guide senior beginners in their quest to find the best quality watercolor paper, bringing together the top contenders in the market, what makes them unique, and why they could prove invaluable to senior beginners.
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Arches Watercolor Block: France-based Canson-Arches manufactures some of the finest watercolor papers in the world, and the Arches Watercolor Block is no exception to the rule. The 140-pound paper is durable enough to sustain heavy washes while retaining the brightness of the pigments. Its rough texture enables beginners to add detailed effects to their artwork and experiments with different brush strokes. The cotton-made paper ensures color pigments spread out without no seepage, and the deckle edges add a traditional touch to your work. The “block” format keeps the paper stretched, reducing the warp as it dries.
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Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Paper: Strathmore’s 400 series is an intermediate grade, making it ideal for senior beginners. Its durability and weight (140 lb.) let senior artists work without worrying about tearing. Its slightly rough texture allows excellent color control and striking paint effects. Importantly, Strathmore 400 series is acid-free, indicating long-lasting artworks without any discoloration or decay over time.
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MozArt Supplies Komorebi Watercolor Paper: As a newer brand compared to Arches or Strathmore, MozArt Supplies have quickly made a name for themselves with their excellent Komorebi line of watercolor papers. Crafted using top-grade cellulose pulp, these papers (140 lb.) offer excellent durability and resilience against multiple washes. Also, the Komorebi range includes mixed media papers, allowing senior beginners to explore beyond watercolor painting.
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Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad: When it come to catering for budget-friendly yet quality art supplies, the Canson XL series often tops the list. These papers are designed to meet the needs of the practicing artist. The paper has a cold pressed surface and a durable weight of 140lb, making it a good choice for beginners. While it doesn’t hold up as well to heavy scrubbing and lifting as some other papers, it offers excellent value for the price and a great way for beginners to practice without eating too much into their budget.
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Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paper: Winsor & Newton are recognized the world over as a leading provider of fine art materials, and their professional watercolor paper is a pure reflection of that reputation. Known for its exceptional durability owing to its 100% cotton composition, it exhibits minimal distortion even when soaked. At 140 lb., it can withstand extensive watercolor work. With each page being color-stable, mould-made, and acid-free, it ensures artwork longevity.
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Bee Paper Company Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketch Pad: The Aquabee Super Deluxe has earned its fan base because of the high-quality paper at an economical price. The 93 lb. paper holds the colors well and provides nice blending options for the artists. The texture is perfect for beginners as it is not too absorbent but not too slick either.
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Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper: An Italian classic, the Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Papers, is one of the oldest and most recognized watercolor papers globally. The paper is 100% cotton, giving it a tough, durable quality that can withstand rigorous beginner work. The sheet’s edges are deckle, providing a vintage feel to the artwork. Available in hot and cold press, the Fabriano Artistico can suit varied watercolor styles.
While it is important to invest in high-quality watercolor paper, it is equally important to consider individual requirements and preferences. What works best for a particular style of painting might not work for another. Therefore, it is advisable to experiment with different types of paper to find the one that brings out the best from the artist in you. Additionally, while thicker papers tend to perform better and are more durable, they might not suit everyone due to their high absorbency level.
Finally, the texture of the paper, commonly referred to as its “tooth,” plays a significant role. Cold Press watercolor papers, with their medium texture, are the most popular among beginners. However, hot Press (smooth surface) and rough Press (highly textured surface) can also be explored as one’s understanding and control of the medium improves.
Keep in mind, however, that great artworks are not only dependent on the grade of watercolor paper but also on creativity, patience, experimentations, and practice. Happy Painting!
